Chapter 11

JASLYNN

Did he mention that he wanted to lead my ship?

As he gazed at the calm waters of the ocean, I crossed my arms and growled at him, "This is my ship, Alrik. Get off the boat if you can't handle the waves.

Do you have a captain's licence? he asked as he turned around and matched my posture by crossing his arms.

"I do. I boasted, "I also have a pilot's licence.

So you don't use your broomstick, I take it?

My lips dropped open as amusement vanished in his shadowy depths like lightning. I was too astonished that he made a joke to even think of a good rejoinder.

Witches don't truly ride broomsticks, how-how.

I was embarrassed by my stupid comment, but Alrik didn't seem disturbed; instead, he appeared amused. He was undoubtedly jubilant at finally gaining the upper hand.

Maybe you don't. I realise it's too difficult to get it out of your ear.

My lips audibly gasped, "Alrik Kuznetsov!"

He strolled past me and back to the cars with a faint tinge of smugness on his face.

"Don't be concerned about him. Reece piped in, "You two suit each other completely. He likes to pretend that he doesn't have a tree trunk stuck up there himself."

He is pretty erratic, I huffed. He kisses me for a moment, then-"

  I SAW THAT, Reece said as he jumped up and down and grabbed my arm. My wig was wholly taken by it. How'd it go? Was he aware of what to do? I am aware that he has never had romantic feelings for a woman.

She kept hopping around like a youngster who had just met her idol while my mouth dropped open. By "snatched her wig," what did she mean?

Why do you appear to be so perplexed? She asked as she let go of my arm without breathing.

I asked her with a cocked head, "I stole your wig? What even does that mean?

You're worse than Alrik, oh Moon Goddess. You also don't adapt to the times, do you? It's alright. You'll learn everything there is to know about this century from me.

I was mortified, and that's an understatement. Thankfully, Reece was still overly enthusiastic about the kiss to

I'll keep on about how I don't understand the terms of today. That seemed to be something Alrik and I shared in common.

Is he always so formally dressed? I inquired, interrupting her droning. Her eyes widened, "Formal? That is, in my opinion, the most carefree he has ever been with someone. I don't ever

heard him laugh. Ever."

"Was that casual? I'm apprehensive about what formality looks like in his universe.

The norm in his society would be to avoid conversation unless absolutely required and to behave emotionlessly with those who can do nothing to advance the werewolf species.

"So the rumours about that were accurate. He's like the uncrowned king, right?

Many of the things you have heard are true, Reece said as she groaned and adjusted the bag slung over her shoulder. I am aware of the routes that people use, therefore some of the rumours are true. I am aware that it doesn't seem that way, especially given that he exhibits a very different side of himself to you. You should exercise caution since I don't want you to feel misled when you see his Alpha side.

  It seemed as though someone had doused me with ice water.

Alrik may have had another side that I hadn't seen before, though. That could have been good or awful, and at the time I was beginning to think that it was horrible.

My mind was writhing with uncertainty. What if he was staging everything so that I would return and become his Luna? Would he transform to the Alrik everyone else knew if I did become his Luna? Did he accompany me on this expedition out of self-interest?

He was the only individual who could provide an answer to those queries.

He's my best friend, Jaslynn, and I don't want to sabotage the relationship you two are just beginning. I'm just trying to get you ready because if you take him as a partner, you're taking him on the whole.

I took a long breath and said, "I'll wait for him to start talking before I make any decisions. That much is due to him from me.

He'll enjoy it, Reece said with a sweet smile and head nod. even though he won't actually say it.

Would talking to him about it be strange? Would he be willing to discuss it, specifically?

Reece dropped her suitcase at my feet and said, "I'm going to go help unload, but you're going to have to spill all the details about you and Alrik when I come back. If you catch him when he's in a good mood, I bet you can."

Before fully turning around, she gestured to me that she was observing me as she sprinted away in the opposite direction. I chuckled to myself before turning back to the ship and getting my wand ready.

It was time for me to tidy up my ship.

ALRIK

In an effort to cover up Reece's eerie grin, I forced a sac into her hands. Since returning to the ground to assist the group with unloading, it had remained stuck to her face in that manner. I'm not sure what she told Jaslynn, but she seemed really happy.

Unfortunately, even with her face hidden, I could still feel her grin.

"Commander, hold back your grin. Are you still amused when the world is in danger?

Two days ago, you couldn't have given a damn about the world, she said while adjusting the sac in her hands. Are you certain that the world is in peril? Or is Jaslynn, a wonderful friend of mine, in danger?

I motioned in the direction she needed to travel and said, "Commander, stop dithering and go load the ship."

She huffed and strode off, complaining about how menacing I was.

Although it was expected of me as the Alpha, I was controlling. It was ingrained in me.

I reached for a dufel bag and threw it at the wizard who liked Jaslynn, saying, "You. Grab this.

"Pardon me? Who made you in charge? He inquired, appearing horrified.

At his actions, I raised an eyebrow and said, "I did."

"How rude of you. Jaslynn has the reins.

To you, I'm Ms. Jaslynn. Treat her with reverence because she is the leader of your coven.

A specific female witch behind him interrupted him as he was about to say something idiotic by saying, "Miles, I'll handle this. You may proceed.

When Jaslynn joined him, he gave her a sickeningly sweet smile and said, "Of course, Jaslynn."

"Why do I get the feeling you're going to give me and my crew a hard time?" she asked as he turned to leave, cocking her head in my direction.

I remained silent. For me, someone else did.

What sort of person would I be, darling Jaslynn, if I didn't reprimand you? Think back to the good old days.

  Everyone paused as we all turned to face the tall, lanky man who was leaning against a tree as Jaslynn suddenly spun around. Her gasp was scarcely audible:"Malcolm."